Mendota

Representing a swath of western Fresno County, Mendota is a city flush with industry — particularly a deep-rooted agricultural enterprise. That agricultural background, and its related employment opportunities, has been one of the main draws for those who choose the quaint city as a place to live.

In fact, Mendota has a reputation of being the “Cantaloupe Center of the World,” though that distinction has been dimmed by persistent drought conditions in recent years. However, other prominent crops in Mendota include pistachios, almonds and tomatoes. Mendota’s farmland dominates the city’s outskirts, with fields stretching for acres upon acres, for as far as the eye can see. Meanwhile, most of Mendota’s housing and other amenities are situated in the middle of the locale.

The homes of Mendota largely span those that were built in the mid 20th century to those that were built recently. One-story rancher is a common style seen around the city, regardless of home age. Home prices in the city mostly sit in the $200,000 to $300,000 range. At least a small bit of lawn space is common for Mendota’s properties, as are sidewalks, linking Mendota’s grid network of blocks. The city maintains an intimate nature, which appeals to residents. Grecia Gallegos, an administrative assistant with the City of Mendota, said she likes the area’s “home-like feel. That it’s a small community.”

Still, that small community is active. There are a pair of expansive neighboring parks in Mendota: Rojas Pierce Park and Jess Gill Park. Rojas Pierce Park is packed with a splash pad, a skatepark and a soccer field complex. Jess Gill Park is filled with more athletic field space. Aside from the amenities, though, the parks are home to multiple city events over the course of the year — particularly Rojas Piece Park. From June to December you can peruse a farmers market at Rojas Pierce. There’s also an annual Earth Day gathering there, and periodic movie nights as well.

Rojas Pierce Park is also adjacent to Mendota Continuation High School and Mendota Community Day School, which share a campus and are two of multiple institutions around the city. Both are alternative schools, and campus offerings include career technical education opportunities and collegiate instruction through West Hills College.

Neighboring each other on Belmont Avenue, to the south, are Mendota Junior High School and Mendota High School. Mendota Junior High students have registered high marks in their progress toward English proficiency, according to California Department of Education’s annual dashboard metrics. Mendota High is one of a handful of high schools in the lower San Joaquin Valley that offers the Wonderful Agriculture Career Prep program, or Ag Prep for short. Ag Prep helps prepare students for high-tech positions in the agricultural industry, including instruction from collegiate professors and some 40 to 60 free college credits.

Belmont Avenue intersects with both Derrick Avenue and Oller Street, which are two of the main thoroughfares in Mendota, lined with restaurants and other businesses. Head to Cabañas Restaurant on Oller Street for standout pupusas. Or, if you’re craving a burger and a milkshake, journey up the road to Star Burger — their flavorful banana milkshake is a standout.

You could also satisfy your sweet tooth at Mendota Donuts, on Derrick Avenue, known for the freshness of its daily batches. Grocery shopping can be taken care of just south of Mendota Donuts, at Mendota Food Center.

In addition to farming, Mendota has become a burgeoning site for solar and biomass energy. Also, what will be the biggest green hydrogen plant on the West Coast is on the way, and will bring additional jobs to Mendota.

But as Mendota evolves, it maintains its agricultural base and its sense of community — a proud town that hasn’t forgotten its roots.

Written By

Tina Davis

Video By

Luke Mancari